About Temple University

Founded as a night school by Russell Conwell in 1884, Temple University has evolved into an international powerhouse in higher education and a top-tier research institution with roughly 40,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

As the largest university in one of the nation’s most iconic cities, Temple educates diverse future leaders from across Philadelphia, the country and the world who share a common drive to learn, prepare for their careers and make a real impact.

Temple offers students a dynamic and nurturing learning environment with the support of a renowned faculty, dedicated academic advisors focused on setting a clear path to graduation and a broad curriculum of more than 500 academic programs. A longtime leader in professional education, Temple is also among the nation’s largest educators in the combined fields of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy and podiatry.

Investments in the campus learning environment have elevated the university’s capabilities across its 17 schools and colleges with impressive results. In 2015, Temple achieved the R1 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it among the most active research universities in the nation. Temple also recently celebrated several milestones, including a Rhodes scholar, a Goldwater scholar, and its largest and brightest graduating class.

Temple’s bustling Main Campus is set against the backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline. Green space, athletic facilities and eclectic architecture ranging from the historic Temple Performing Arts Center to an emerging state-of-the-art Charles Library form a vibrant residential setting. Temple’s NCAA Division I athletic programs and hundreds of student organizations thrive on campus.

Philadelphia’s public university, Temple provides an unparalleled value to families in the region and serves as an essential resource to the surrounding community. Temple also offers a gateway to the world with long-standing international campuses in Tokyo and Rome and study abroad opportunities across six continents.

Mission Statement
Opportunity. Engagement. Discovery.

Temple University educates a vibrant student body and creates new knowledge through innovative teaching, research and other creative endeavors. Our urban setting provides transformative opportunities for engaged scholarship, experiential learning, and discovery of self, others and the world. We open our doors to a diverse community of learners and scholars who strive to make the possible real.

We are committed to the ideals upon which Temple was founded:

providing access to an excellent, affordable higher education that prepares students for careers, further learning and active citizenship.
creating a collaborative community of outstanding faculty and staff who foster inclusion and encourage the aspirations of Temple students.
promoting service and engagement throughout Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.

President

Temple’s president is the public face of the university and is responsible for supporting and managing all of its academic, administrative and financial operations. The President works closely with faculty, administrators, trustees, students and alumni to set the university’s goals and uphold its mission. Learn more about the president of Temple University.

Trustees

The Board of Trustees is Temple’s governing body, responsible for the educational mission and fiscal policies of the university. The trustees also are responsible for electing the university president, adopting an annual plan of financial operation and establishing degrees to be awarded. Learn more about the Board of Trustees.

Campus Development

Temple is investing millions of dollars into new and upgraded facilities as part of the Visualize Temple campus plan and the complementary Verdant Temple landscaping plan. Temple’s vibrant residential campus continues to evolve, with exciting new academic and recreation spaces, as well as significant renovations and upgrades. Learn more about Temple’s changing campus.

Community

Temple’s ties to its community are strong and deep, dating back to its founding in 1884 as an institution that served working people in the local community. Today, the university has not strayed from its original mission and remains a beacon of public service, social activism and community engagement. Learn more about Temple’s community.

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